Christian Horner is reportedly in advanced negotiations for a potential return to Formula 1, just six months after his exit from Red Bull Racing. According to Pedro Fermin Flores, Horner is exploring a role with Alpine, which may include part-ownership of the team. This move comes as F1 teams are finalizing their new cars ahead of a private test scheduled in Barcelona at the end of January, and performance in these tests could significantly impact team leadership stability.
Alpine, having finished last in the constructors’ standings during the 2025 season, is seeking to revitalize its operations. The team plans to replace Renault engines with Mercedes power units starting in 2026, aiming for a stronger performance in the upcoming season. Horner’s potential involvement could be pivotal, given his extensive experience in the sport.
Flores has indicated that Horner’s return would likely not be as a conventional team principal but rather as a shareholder, aligning with his preference for ownership rather than a purely managerial role. He has expressed a clear intention to bring in additional investors to support Alpine and intends to surround himself with trusted associates he has worked with since leaving Red Bull.
The negotiations are reportedly progressing, with Horner looking to emulate the success of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, who recently sold a portion of his shares in the team. A successful agreement would enable Horner to influence Alpine’s strategic direction significantly, similar to Wolff’s role at Mercedes since 2013.
While no formal contract has yet been established between Alpine and Horner, the possibility of collaboration appears promising. Stakeholders at Alpine are reportedly open to selling a minority stake to Horner, particularly after a challenging year. Despite finishing at the bottom of the standings, the growth of Formula 1 has led to increased valuations, suggesting that investors like Otro Capital, who entered the scene less than three years ago, could still make a profit from such a sale.
A pivotal question remains regarding the stance of Renault, which holds the majority stake in Alpine. Horner’s history with Flavio Briatore, a significant figure within Renault, may play a role in advancing these negotiations. Should Horner secure a position, it could create uncertainty surrounding the future of current team principal Steve Nielsen.
Additionally, there are whispers that several contracts within Red Bull contain clauses that could allow key staff members to follow Horner to Alpine if he makes the move. This could further reshape the dynamics at Alpine as the team prepares for a new chapter in its Formula 1 journey. As the situation evolves, both Horner and Alpine appear poised for a potentially significant partnership that could redefine their futures in the sport.
